Firefighters have achieved 70% containment on the Cecil Fire (#315), while the Big Fire (#313) continues to hold at 10% contained. For Friday, warmer and drier weather is expected as the possibility of thunderstorms increases. Storms could be slow moving with heavy rain; however, if they miss the fires, temperatures will climb back into the 70s.
Active Wildland Fire
Smokejumpers reach 30% containment on Siruk Fire northwest of Allakaket
Two dozen smokejumpers had the Siruk Fire (#340) 30% contained at the end of their shift Thursday night. The fire is estimated at 550 acres and continues to burn in tundra tussocks and scattered spruce trees.
Smokejumpers Catch New Fire Northwest of Allakaket
Twenty-four smokejumpers were deployed to the Siruk Fire (#340) yesterday. It was actively burning in tundra tussocks and scattered spruce trees, with the head of the fire moving to the east. Single and multi-engine scoopers dropped loads of water on… Read More ›
Martha Fire Near Soldotna Active Near Homes
7:30 PM – The Martha Fire is now 5 acres and contained. Thanks to the quick response of local engine and helicopter crews, firefighters have been able to stop forward progress, and the additional aircraft that were ordered have been… Read More ›
Firefighters Increase Containment of Big Fire, Cecil Fire East of Ruby
Firefighters achieved 10% containment on the Big Fire (#313) and 40% containment on the Cecil Fire (#315) on Tuesday. The fires are about 11 miles east of Ruby but are not currently threatening the community or nearby Native allotments.
Drying Conditions May Reveal Additional Holdover Fires
Another holdover fire was detected yesterday resulting from the prolific lightning storms last week. It is in the upper Koyukuk River Basin, approximately 20 miles northwest of Allakaket. Holdover fires are lightning‑caused ignitions that may smolder for days. Fire managers… Read More ›
Final update for Starry Fire (#234)
This is the last planned update for the Starry Fire (#234). The fire remains at 547 acres and is 80% contained. Yesterday, the Denali Borough lifted all evacuation statuses for both the Starry Fire and the Seventeen Mile Fire (#258)…. Read More ›
Low fire activity on U.S. Wildland Fire Service Incidents
While fire activity continues to decrease across the state, fire managers continue to monitor for holdover fires. One small holdover fire was identified late yesterday, likely ignited by lightning several days ago. Holdover fires are lightning‑caused ignitions that smolder unnoticed… Read More ›
Type 3 Team Assumes Command of Big, Cecil Fires Near Ruby
A local Type 3 incident management team has assumed command of firefighting efforts for the Big Fire (#313) and the Cecil Fire (#315) near Ruby. The team’s leadership is made up of U.S. Wildland Fire Service personnel from Alaska and personnel from the State of Michigan.
DFFP weekly wildland fire roundup for June 22 – 28
Rain moderated fire behavior this past week across the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) response area, limiting the number of new fire starts. However, more than 57,000 lightning strikes were recorded over the past 10 days, creating continued potential… Read More ›